Be Present in the Moment

Last month, Michael, myself and 3 of our adult daughters (still living at home), went on a week long holiday to Burleigh Heads on Queensland's Gold Coast. We had planned this "family" holiday over a year ago; everyone would contribute an equal share of the accommodation costs, food, etc. It was a much awaited and anticipated holiday; we were all looking forward to walks along the beach and headland, coffee dates, lunches of Acai bowls, Fathers Day celebrations on the Sunday with as many of our combined 9 children as possible, Michael's birthday celebrations, reading books, board games, and a well earned week-long rest and recharge for all who live at number 11!

The view from our 6th floor apartment.

Quite accidentally, we came up with a catch phrase for our time away:
"Be Present in the Moment".
This became a daily reminder that it was important as a family to 'be present' when we spend time together; Michael & I gave the girls the challenge to avoid using their mobile phones unless they were taking photos. This allowed us all to focus on the beauty of our surroundings, enjoy one another's company, engage fully in conversations and use our time at night to read books and play word games, rather than scroll through social media.

Headland walks around sunset provided the opportunity to soak in the beauty of God's creation while exercising together as a family.

The Burleigh Headland walk takes you all the way around to Tallebudgera Creek, with views out west to the mountains of the Tweed Range, part of the Great Dividing Range.

 A fun day out whale watching with a photographer friend, in not-so-perfect conditions.

I'm not a morning person at all but I did manage a couple of sunrises.

Linking up with these memes: